Monday, July 2, 2012

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Day One...September 12th, 2011

Most of you already know, but it is with great sadness that I announce that my family and I are moving to Savannah, Georgia. Although we will only be a hop, skip and a jump away from Columbus, my heart truly hurts at the thought of leaving such an amazing group of moms and what we have established here. This past ten months has been such an awesome adventure and I could not have imagined how well received a stroller fitness class in Columbus, Georgia would be!! With what started as a group of 19 moms at the grand opening back in September has grown to a group of almost ONE HUNDRED moms who are dedicated to fit and healthy lifestyles! How amazing is that?! I have so much pride in this special group of moms, a pride that I will carry with me as we continue on this SSM journey.  Stroller Strong Moms, you have established yourselves in the community as a group of energetic, hard working, goal oriented, spirited and fit moms; moms who represent at class, at races, and around town in SLAM shirts with a sense of loyalty and pride for what we do. What we have is so special and the camaraderie among us is such an extraordinary thing. I have loved watching you team up in and out of class to push each other to reach goals you have set for yourselves. Not to mention all the amazing and lasting friendships that have been made as a result of SSM.
SLAM Representing at Scarlett Lilies 5K
Many of you have far surpassed the goals you set for yourself when you started, whether it was to become a 'runner', to lose weight, to gain muscle, to run a 5K, to give your kids an example to follow, to improve race times, or to simply become active, you all have done it!  I have no doubt that Stroller Strong Moms will continue to shine in Columbus, Georgia. We have an amazing team of instructors who are eager to teach. Kim, Jill, Rebecca and Julie are so excited to continue to help Stroller Strong Moms reach your health and fitness goals. They each bring something unique to the SSM team and they are ready to push you guys to new levels.

"How do you know you have won? When the energy is coming the other way and when your people are visibly growing individually and as a group."
— Sir John Harvey-Jones

A Record Tying Class of 34 Last Week
 This is no goodbye. As I will be just a car ride away, I intend to come back to visit from time to time to take or teach a class and visit with all of the veterans and new faces of Stroller Strong Moms. My first visit back is already planned! I will be back to Columbus on September 12th for the One Year Celebration Class and Grand Reopening of Stroller Strong Moms! There will be tons of prizes and giveaways. Also, Starting on September 12th, SSM will be adding two new classes on Tuesday morning and Saturday morning, and also shifting the Thursday night class to the morning so that SSM will have classes Monday thru Saturday morning!! I am currently looking into a location on the north end of town where two of the classes per week will be held. So not only will we be expanding the days SSM is offered, but also the location, so that SSM can help more and more moms to reach their goals! I am so excited about the future of Stroller Strong Moms. I know SSM of Columbus will be in great hands as my family heads out to Savannah. Anytime y'all are in Savannah, you better come check out your sister class, Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah!! I will miss seeing each and every one of you and all your little mini munchkins on a regular basis. I am looking forward to September 12th and the half marathons in Columbus AND Savannah in November! All I ask is that you keep working hard and pushing yourselves and each other and of course, above all, keep 'SLAM'ing!

"The final test of a leader is that (s)he leaves behind him(her) in other (wo)men, the conviction and the will to carry on."
— Walter Lippmann